Inventors:
Douglas J. Woodnorth - Needham MA
Barbara Brys - Bedford MA
Assignee:
The Gillette Company - Boston MA
International Classification:
H01M 202
US Classification:
429164, 429168, 429229, 429224, 429206
Abstract:
The invention relates to electrochemical cells having a metal current collector, particularly zinc/MnO primary alkaline cells wherein the cathode metal current collector is the cells steel casing. The present invention is directed to a coating on the current collector, such as the inside surface of the steel casing of an alkaline cell, to improve the cells performance, particularly when it is used for high power applications. In accordance with the invention the current collector or inside surface of the steel casing for the cell, is preferably preplated with nickel, then plated with a layer of cobalt or cobalt alloy, and subsequently coated with a layer of carbon over the cobalt layer. The carbon may be applied from a carbon/solvent coating mixture which is dried to evaporate the solvent carrier. The service life of the cell is improved, particularly during high power applications.